BMI, the performing rights organization representing over 1.4 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers, is extending its relationship with a familiar face. The company’s Board of Directors has officially renewed President & CEO Mike O’Neill’s contract through December 31, 2029, marking another chapter in a long-running tenure defined by growth, modernization, and strategic investment.
Founded in 1939 with a mission to support the creators of blues, jazz, country, and American roots music, BMI has evolved into a global leader in music rights management, overseeing more than 22.4 million works. With O’Neill at the helm, the organization has become a key player in ensuring music creators receive fair compensation when their work is performed publicly.
“Under Mike O’Neill’s leadership, BMI has grown into the most successful performing rights organization in the business,” said Pete Masucci, Managing Director of New Mountain Capital and Chair of the BMI Board. “With Mike’s ongoing guidance, BMI will continue to deliver on its commitment to modernize its infrastructure, invest in new technology and services, and grow the value of its songwriters, composers, and publishers’ music.”
The extension, the board says, reflects confidence not only in O’Neill’s leadership but also in the future direction of the organization. Recent moves made under his leadership support that confidence. Over the past year, BMI has increased distributions by 13 percent in FY 2024—double the growth rate of its largest competitor—and taken significant steps to improve service and transparency for its affiliates.
“I have never been more optimistic about the future of BMI, and there are only greater things ahead,” said O’Neill in a statement. “BMI’s mission to drive value for our affiliates, increase our distributions, and ensure the long-term success of our family of songwriters, composers, and publishers continues at full speed.”
Among the year’s key initiatives:
- Enhancements to technology and infrastructure, including new online dashboards offering affiliates improved transparency into royalty payments.
- A newly launched call center to elevate customer support.
- A strategic partnership with Music Nation, establishing BMI’s licensing infrastructure in the UAE.
- Key executive hires, including a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and a newly created Chief Transformation Officer position focused on future revenue opportunities.
- The successful administration of a $100 million allocation to songwriters, composers, and publishers following BMI’s recent sale.
O’Neill, who joined BMI in 1994 from CBS-TV Network, has built a deep understanding of both the business and creative sides of the industry. Before assuming his current role as CEO in 2013 and later adding the title of President in 2014, he held multiple leadership positions in licensing, revenue generation, royalty distribution, and creative development.
For more on BMI’s initiatives and updates, visit bmi.com or follow @BMI on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
